Banks of the Ohio

Down by the banks of the Ohio

I asked my love to walk with me

To walk with me a little way

We strolled along where the waters flow

Down by the banks of the Ohio

Said I to her, "Will you be mine?"

Said she to me, "I must decline

My mother says too young am I

To love one man 'til the day I die"

I held her nigh against her breast

And gently in my arms she pressed

She cried, "Oh, please, don't murder me

I'm unprepared for eternity"

I took her by her dear white head

And placed her gently on the sand

And when the tide was high and deep

I kissed her into rest and sleep

I started back to the stone and pond

I cried, "My God, what have I done?

I murdered her, I ruined each child

Oh, why couldn't she have kept from crying?"

And she must say she will be mine

All would be well, all would be fine

And now she's there way down below

Down by the banks of the Ohio

Down by the banks of the Ohio